Irish Culture Ireland is deeply rooted in its culture. Architecture and dance are just two aspects of their culture. The Gaelic League is one of the main reasons why Ireland has been able to share its traditional dance with the world. Architecture in Ireland evolved from simple to beautiful and grand throughout the Saxon, Norman and medieval periods. The first written record of dance dates back to 1520 with the use of the word “damhsa” or “dance” in English (Whelan 9). Country dancing, popular until the 17th century, is said to have “spread from England to Ireland” (Whelan 10). However, during the late 17th century, the term "jig" began to be used for Irish dancing (Whelan 10). The jig is the most modern term to describe Irish dancing. It is surprising that Irish dance technique was so uniform throughout Ireland. The major contributors to the spread of Irish dancing technique were the Old Irish Dancing Masters. The masters are the ones who made it all come together. They developed “footwork for solo dancing” as well as teaching and directing uniformity and discipline for group dancing (Whelan 11). The masters traveled around the country staying anywhere from nine days to six weeks (Whelan 11). He was always “accompanied by a piper or fiddler” who played the music as he taught (Whelan 11). Barns were built on farms before his arrival with the stipulation that the farmer's children would receive free tuition (Whelan 12). The most basic lessons taught by the master were “the up-pitch of the jig and the side-pitch of the reel” (Whelan 12). Most of the students were children and learned the movements quite easily. However, if students had difficulty, the… center of the paper… in the shape of a cross. The tall lancet windows also mark this period (Archer 288). Eastern Ireland had churches of more elaborate and intricate design due to the influence of England. Unfortunately, not many churches remain in good condition due to the “suppression of the Catholic church during the 18th century” and are more ruins than anything (Archer 288). Ireland has been influenced by many countries but mainly by England. It has been discovered and seen over time that England was the country that first brought many things to Ireland, but the Irish quickly adapted and made it their own. Architecture improved and saw growth especially within churches. There were Romanesque and Gothic styles that continued to be seen within the church structures. Irish dancing spread throughout the world due to emigration. Europe and North America were greatly influenced by Ireland.